Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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858. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide an update on the Teaching Council proposal to introduce continuing professional development credits as a condition of registration for teachers. [20242/15]

Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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859. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the date on which the draft framework for teachers' learning will be published. [20243/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 858 and 859 together.

Under the Teaching Council Act the Teaching Council is the regulator and standards body for the teaching profession. Section 39 of the Act, which has not yet been commenced, provides for the Council to review and accredit programmes of continuing professional development for teachers.

I intend that section 39 will be commenced as soon as practicable following amendment of the Teaching Council Act in the Teaching Council (Amendment) Bill 2015 which is currently progressing through the House.

In preparation for commencement of its role in relation to review and accreditation of continuing professional development, the Teaching Council has begun a consultation process on a framework for continuing professional learning. Following consultation with stakeholders the Council intends to publish a draft framework later this year.